Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern (JFAT) lands a new executive chef—Mitch Gillan. The Dana Point restaurant hired the veteran Orange County chef, who will work with proprietor David Wilhelm to continue to build on the restaurant’s popularity.

Gillan was previously Chef de Cuisine at 370 common Kitchen + Drink in Laguna Beach from its inception and was Executive Chef at The Ramos House Café in San Juan Capistrano for more than three years. He had previously worked with Wilhelm for more than five years at Culinary Adventures, where Gillan held the position of Executive Chef at French 75.

“I’m looking forward to this new endeavor and getting the opportunity to work with such a talented team,” said Gillan. “It will be exciting to work in a new environment, but have the familiarity of working with veterans like David Wilhelm.”

Jimmy’s tavern

The restaurant is a contemporary tavern, which serves American regional classics—everything from its JFAT Cowboy Burger to JFAT Breakfast Flatbread.

Other popular items are Alesmith Amber Batter Onion Rings with chipotle ketchup, Garlic Roasted Prime Rib and Pan Roasted Sea bass with Meyer Lemon and Marcona Almond Butter.The restaurant also is known for its fried chicken.

In addition to the home style food, Jimmy’s focuses on the use of organic raised and sustainable food products. They are also a national certified GRA “Green Restaurant”, which involves water and utility-saving equipment and techniques, the use of recycled building and paper materials and supplies, as well as a food-composting program.

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Cheryl Pruett thinks of food as an adventure. Restaurants are mini-vacations. She has written a food column for a daily Orange County newspaper's weekly editions in South Orange County and has served as an editor for a restaurant industry publication that covers the financials of the business. Press releases welcome here.